Smyrna City Councilwoman Teri Anulewicz said she’s heard from about a dozen people since Dobbins Air Reserve Base started playing twice daily “bugle calls” on its “Giant Voice” alert system Feb. 1.
Special to the MDJ

The Giant Voice system actually plays recorded versions of “Reveille” at 8 a.m. and the national anthem at 4 p.m. for the daily “retreat.”

Dobbins spokesman Capt. Patrick Simmons said the system was put in place to alert staff at Dobbins and across the base at the Clay National Guard Center to potential emergencies. The daily calls allow both for the system to be tested and as a way to observe military tradition.

Though it is “somewhat independent,” Simmons said the Clay system plays the same calls seven days a week, compared to just Monday through Friday at Dobbins. But in response to the concerns being expressed, he said Clay is cutting back to five days a week, while calls have been made to vendors to come in and lower the volume slightly.

Simmons said there have been more complaints on the Clay side, around the southern end of the base, because it is in a more residential area.

“It takes a little bit of time to make adjustments,” Simmons said.

At the same time, Simmons said the Giant Voice will need to remain loud enough to be heard around the base.

The system cost $250,000 to install as part of a U.S. Department of Defense mandate that military bases comply with its digital notification system. Simmons said it replaces an antiquated 20-year-old analog alarm system.

“Some of the speakers did not work,” he said. “It did not provide for the emergency notification we require.”

Anulewicz admits to being taken by surprise when she first heard the morning call at her home, located near the Smyrna Market Village. She initially thought it came from the nearby Fire Station No. 1.

While some people have complained about the calls waking them up in the morning, others have embraced the patriotic music, Anulewicz said.

“I’ve heard some people say that it makes them feel safer because it reminds them that they live close to a military base,” she said.

Simmons said the tradition of bugle calls at military bases goes back to pre-Civil War days.

“It’s part of our identity,” he said. “We do value the local community, and we have taken the needs of the local community into consideration as we set times.”

For the watchers...I don't think anyone that breaks laws to live here has a right - especially not to complain. You don't like it here? Go back where you came from. Fear of Watcher...you think our military is intrusive? Try living in Central America, China or North Korea sweetie!

Captain Simmons said the base command set the schedule to accommodate the slug-a-beds of the world. Maybe you could make the most of it and enjoy the free wake-up call. You could probably use the morning exercise opportunity.

We should have a rally to support the new system and show that we don't all roll over just because one or two whiners get loud. Honestly, I'm on the veritable edge of the base and barely notice it when I'm inside. Traffic on the street makes more noise than that bugle!

I am constantly amazed at attitudes of selfish and unpatriotic Americans who feel the whole universe revolves around them and their liberal-minded, group hug ways. Get a life...not everything will please you and not every one will bow down to you princess!

Anna. I sleep from 6:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. (6 hours) due to the hours of my work. Captain Simmons is cruel if he/she did actually say that. Your post shows how narrow-minded some people that just assume people have your same schedule. That is what I call loss of freedom. I don't roll over--this is 2 hours into my sleep. What time do you go to bed? 11:00 p.m.? Does this give me the right to come outside your door and play taps to you at 1:00 a.m. and also to Captain Simmons? And that is freedom? You probably don't notice because at that time of day your regular schedule is filled with regular household noise. My dad was a prisoner of war and my husband served in combat. You want to know who sounds like a princess, you do. And we should bow down to you.

Watcher...

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March 15, 2013

I wonder if any of these complaints are coming from Illegal Aliens that reside in Smyrna?

No, they are probably from people that are afraid to identify themselves with their real names because they are afraid of bullies like you that negate their real concern. I had a school bus driver that decided he would start his route early, park in front of my door, and eat a king's breakfast long before I had to wake up and hear his bus. Fortunately, law prevailed. Government has no right to obstruct sleep. May you hear noise imposed by the government while you are sleeping.

Watch You Two

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March 17, 2013

I am here to stop your wondering, Watcher. You can rest assured all these complaints are coming from illegal aliens that reside in Smyrna. Legal people in Smyrna don't mind interference with their sleep.

American Mom

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March 15, 2013

My daughter has chosen to serve our country in the US Navy and no matter where she is in the world, whether she is on land or at sea, each and every day is the same - the flag is raised promptly at 8am and then lowered again in retreat at the end of the day. At each of these times, EVERYONE stops what they are doing, faces the flag (or the appropriate direction) and stands at attention until the flag has reached its final up or down location.

Taking a few moments out of each day is a wonderful reason for ANYONE to pause and be thankful for our great nation. I recently spent a few days with her on a naval base and I can tell you that at 8 am everything pauses - people stop walking, squads of men and women in the middle of their workouts stop, cars stop driving on the road, everything halts. I happily went to the door of my hotel room, and with my hand placed over my grateful heart, I stood proudly as our National Anthem was played every day.

I can understand that folks affected by this new routine may be annoyed, but I hope they embrace this American tradition and use those moments of each day to be grateful for all that we have in this country and for all those who serve. In spite of all of our issues and challenges, we are still the greatest nation this world has even seen and we should be proud of that every day.

Reading the comments shows me how many of you are anti-American. I was born into a military family and appreciate hearing these as well as the planes that fly over. It's the sound of freedom you morons! @roosnaniea - if you don't like being an American there are plenty of other countries that will have you. Hey, I know, go move over to N. Korea w/Rodman and see how many freedoms you have. LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT!!!

Nobody said they are anti-American and I don't think anyone that posted her is anti-American. It is inconsiderate and reminds me of a communist country and evil people that ring the bell of freedom without considering there are people that do shift work, parents that may have been up late at night getting an infant to sleep to be woken up 30 minutes later by the government and so forth and so on. We get your point about north korea which is why we do not want government to chime into our households and deprive us of the freedom of interrupted sleep in our houses. If you love it so much may we pass an ordinace that says all must wake up the star spangled banner. I would vote your house to be the first one to hear it.

Southern Patriot

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March 15, 2013

While some people have complained about the calls waking them up in the morning, others have embraced the patriotic music, Anulewicz said.

Ms. Anulewicz, if your not awake by 8 AM you should check your pace maker, perhaps the battery's dead. You should consider returning to the North where things are more to your liking.

Put all the light poles & redundant banners along a vacant strip of road,.. it's still a vacant strip of road!

Why wasn't even ONE tree planted in those medians as PROMISED??

Even you Teri talked about how you were looking forward to the trees!

A few pidily jonquils??

That's it??

The main problem is giving one man, one family unchecked power. Of course 26 years in power will encourage corruption.

Wake up Smyrna.

20 million for Concord Road-- utter WASTE!!

Not ONE single thing has been done to protect the devaluation of the Smyrna Heights neighborhood. The homeowners deserve leadership that actually cares about the CITIZENS,.. not just their small scratch my back 'clique'!!

LOl at the above, I have to agree its like they are trying to shove I love America up our tail pipe, and im sure someone's brother made a buck off of this, It doesnt wake me as I get up at 4 am but it does tick the dogs off, kinda makes me feel like I am in a concentration camp and they are trying to make sure I love america, Love and Like a two different things I love it because I have to but I do not ever have to like it, just nothing I can do about it but be better than the regular bear..

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